“It’s never easy if you’re a Browns fan.”
CBS television announcer Ian Eagle spoke those words of absolute truth at the 2-minute warning as the Steelers stood just 4 yards from the potential game-tying score. The Steelers got the touchdown, but were thwarted on the two-point pass attempt.
But like typical Hollywood horror movie, the Browns always add an extra scare or two after the climactic scene. Cleveland barely held on the onside kick attempt, then needed a successful 3rd-and-2 quarterback sweep run by Baker Mayfield to finally finish off Pittsburgh.
This was far from a pretty game for Kevin Stefanski’s squad. Mayfield was high on many throws. The secondary allowed too many big plays and third-down conversions. With a 15-point fourth quarter lead, the defense surrendered consecutive 75 and 65-yard touchdown drives. Stefanski’s play-calling was suspect: Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb got just 14 carries (for 108 yards), and the typical feast of play-action passing was reduced to an appetizer. All of this while Ben Roethlisberger, T.J. Watt, and several other key Steelers sat out the game for either rest or COVID issues.
But remember, in the NFL, a win’s a win, ESPECIALLY if you’re a Browns fan.
Cleveland had their own share of empty shoes to fill. They had to try and stop the talented Pittsburgh wide receiver corps without five key pass coverage players: corners Denzel Ward and Kevin Johnson, linebackers B.J. Goodson and Malcolm Smith, and fan-favorite (cough) safety Andrew Sendejo.
Cleveland had to rebound from a crushing loss to the Jets the previous Sunday where numerous players were lost the day before kickoff due to COVID issues. That COVID cloud continued throughout this past week, as the Browns’ practice facility had to be closed for three different days due to health concerns.
The powerhouse Steelers -- with their complex defensive pressure schemes and a quick strike passing playbook -- are very difficult to prepare for with a full week of on-field practice. Pigskin preparation limited to laptop Zoom meetings is quite a bit less effective. I wonder if Baker played some Madden to get mentally ready.
Thankfully, the Browns grinded out the 24-22 victory to end an 18-year playoff drought. The bad news is that the Browns now have to travel to Pittsburgh, where they have lost their last two playoff appearances (in 2002 and 1994). The worse news is that the third-seeded Steelers which will be rested and close to full strength. The even worse news is that Ward and several of those other Cleveland COVID absences will likely carry through wild card weekend.
There is good news, though. First, THE BROWNS ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS!!! Second, the Steelers looked very mortal in December, losing three straight games, including one to the lowly Bengals. Third, this is not the College Football Playoffs, full of predictable blowouts. While the Browns have plenty of holes, anything can happen in the NFL. The last two times Cleveland entered the post-season with marginal teams, they just missed pulling off huge upsets.
In that 2002 Steeler game, the 9-7 Browns held a 17-point third quarter lead, and would have clinched the game if Kevin Johnson wouldn’t have dropped a late-game third down pass from Kelly Holcomb. In 1985, the 8-8 Browns held an 18-point third quarter lead (thanks to a huge 2-touchdown, 161 yard rushing day from Earnest Byner) before Dan Marino rallied the 12-4 Dolphins to a 3-point win.
So Browns fans, cast aside your worries and savor this wild week of playoff coverage. You never know when you will see it again.
The Link LonkJanuary 04, 2021 at 05:57AM
https://www.timesreporter.com/story/sports/2021/01/03/aljancic-its-never-easy-if-youre-browns-fan/4121178001/
Aljancic: “It’s never easy if you’re a Browns fan” - New Philadelphia Times Reporter
https://news.google.com/search?q=easy&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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